Variations of “2-5-1” Chord Progressions

If you listen to music, you’ve definitely heard a “2-5-1” progression. They are found in just about any type of music — regardless of style, genre, or rhythmical pattern. It is commonly the series of chords that end a song or phrase. However, it can be used in several situations (I can only go over a few in this lesson but encourage you to check out my course for further instruction).

In this chord progression, the 2 chord (you’ll learn what this is later on in this lesson) leads to the 5 chord which in turns, produces a strong pull towards the ending chord (which is usually the 1st major chord of the scale).

First, let me start by showing you what chords correspond to each tone of a major scale:

Now, to create a “2-5-1” chord progression (or any numbered chord progression), simply take the 2, 5, and 1 chord out of the entire series of chords above. That is, we would not use the 3,4, 6, or 7 chord.

The 2 chord is D minor; the 5 chord is G dominant; and the 1 chord is C major.

This right here is the most basic “2-5-1” chord progression you’ll ever see:

Example: To play a Dminor chord simply play all three of the notes shown above at the same time (D+F+A)

Moving on…

Now that we have covered some theory (I’m glad that’s out of the way), let me just show you a few chords that I love to play. I will try not to be as theoretic … I will simply give you the chord changes and you’ll have to apply them to your understanding of chords and alterations. All of these progression will be shown in the key of C major…

(For more chord progressions, check out our 300-pg course! It is currently on special.)

Hi, I'm Jermaine Griggs, founder of this site. We teach people how to express themselves through the language of music. Just as you talk and listen freely, music can be enjoyed and played in the same way... if you know the rules of the "language!" I started this site at 17 years old in August 2000 and more than a decade later, we've helped literally millions of musicians along the way. Enjoy!

U can not imagine how happy I may be for this precious courses.I ‘m also grateful to U for these nice chords I enjoy everytime I try them out! but I’ve got a little problem concerning the 2-5-1 progression.for instance in the C key how can I use this progression? from what chord to what chord can I use this progression and what are my 2-5-1 chords also? God bless U a lot

I have written anurod nine songs that I have really liked and am shy to sing a lot. But I have been told my lyrics are amazing. After finding a mood, there is no EXACT proper format. There are a few, though. E-mail me for a list. . No scam, I assure you. P.S. If you liked this answer, PLEASE be my fan. Thank you and Happy New Year.

I really enjoyed these posts concerning chord progressions. I thought I had it right, but these posts confirmed it for me.I’m doing well but I need the workbook ie. (300 page course). I tried to skip it but I must confess, I need to have it if I’m going to have a good foundation on the theory. Thanks Jermaine and
Hear and Play Family.

pls basicalt i play on f sharp key my problem is i want 2 know chords and thier application am a very good fan of hear and plaay pls i would like u 2 help me out because all the tutors are been lectured on c major key please how do i refer them to my f sharp key and maind u i love your tutors thanks toyin.

Looking at Toyin’s Comment I would like to add a little bit here, first of all, it’s not wise to stuck to any one key but try to play-in and to know all 12 keys. So, every thing that was said about the key of “C” , the same principle/pattern can be transferred to the other 11 keys. Therefore, The 1 in “C”– C + E + G or root, The 1 in “F#”– F# + A# + C# or root.
Let’s look at the 2-5-1 progression in “F#” that would be : 2 – G# minor G# + B + D#
5 – C# Major C# + F + G# then to 1 – F# Major F# + A# + C# .
So the next thing to do, get to the basic “C” get all the chord with variations the 6, 7, 9, 11,13 etc. and transfer them to the other 11 Keys…… keep striking.

Hello Brother Griggs,
Thank you for sharing time and time again. The varying 2-5-1 possibilities you shared are awesome. My kids and I love your lessons! We have a theory question about complex chords. The numbers don’t seem to match as far as the numbered scale is concerned. For example, in the key of C, the 2-chord, played as D9 seems to have F# as the “9”. Is a 9 really a 2 as we continue the scale numbers at the octave note? Wouldn’t the second note for D be an E and not an F#? I am just trying to understand the pattern of this theory as my kids and I are learning together, I want to explain this correctly. Thank you again.

A quick way to find out what the 9th, 11th, and 13th notes of each scale are, is to do the following:
note – 7 = the note in normal numbering (1 to 7)
9-7=2 (so 9 is the 2nd note of the scale)
11-7= 4 (11 is the 4th note of the scale)
13-7= 6 (13 is the 6th note of the scale)

A quick way to find out what the 9th, 11th, and 13th notes of each scale are, is to do the following:
note – 7 = the note in normal numbering (1 to 7)
9-7=2 (so 9 is the 2nd note of the scale)
11-7= 4 (11 is the 4th note of the scale)
13-7= 6 (13 is the 6th note of the scale)

Man I’m getting back on my skills and I like the fact that you kept on sending me e-mail Jermaine and when I finally needed help it was there thank you. this was very helpful and quick to diagnose. May God keep blessing you and and everyone that’s involved including families.

Good afternoon. I have a question about the 2 in the 2-5-1 here. i noticed your using a Dmaj chord for “style 1” and so on for that matter. i thought the 2-chord had to be a minor? or is it left to the discretion of the player to produce the sound he wants? i just wanted to clear that up so i dont confuse myself :).

Great stuff by the way, i find your blogs/lessons to be very helpful and informative.

Hi
Thank you very much for the website, I am pretty new to the language of music however I have a passion on playing the Keyboard. How best can you assist me Ive started with the progression of Fsharp but still find most of it very confusing.